Sunrise Aboard Lisbon’s Iconic Tram 28

I’ll never forget my very first ride on Lisbon’s vintage Tram 28 at dawn. With shutters half-closed and only a handful of locals on board, the rattling wooden seats felt like a time machine. As we wound our way up Graça, Alfama and Mouraria, I watched the city’s pastel-colored façades glow apricot in the early light. The views from the open window—tile-clad walls, laundry lines and the occasional jalopy—reminded me why so many digital nomads fall for Portugal’s capital.

• Tip: Grab a 24-hour public transit pass (€6.60) at any metro station and hop off wherever curiosity strikes.
• Beat the Crowds: Boarding before 8 AM gives you elbow room and the best photo ops of winding alleyways.

Pastelarias & the Sweet Rhythm of Alfama

By mid-morning, I’d hop off near Martim Moniz square and make a beeline for a neighborhood pastelaria. The air always carries a whiff of warm dough and cinnamon—secrets to Lisbon’s irresistible pastéis de nata. My favorite spot, tucked behind São Jorge Castle, serves them still-warm, with a soft jammy center and a light dusting of nutmeg.

• Café Tip: Ask for your bica (espresso) with a dash of cold milk—locals call it a galão.
• Hidden Gem: Venture into Travessa de São Miguel for a tiny café-bar where you can sample torradas (buttered toast) with homemade marmalade.

Azulejos, Miradouros & Quiet Corners

One afternoon, I escaped the crowds by zigzagging up to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. From that vantage, Lisbon’s red rooftops spilled down toward the Tagus River like an endless terracotta quilt. Along the way, every second building seemed to wear a coat of hand-painted azulejos—blue and white tiles depicting saints, sea creatures or Moorish patterns.

Rather than the busy Largo Portas do Sol viewpoint, I slipped into a narrow side street and found a faded fountain where a local painter was working on a canvas of Lisbon’s skyline. We exchanged nods, and I snapped one of my favorite photos for @curiocity.lens. Those unadvertised alleys are where I felt the city’s true heartbeat.

Working Remotely with Pastel de Nata & Wi-Fi Views

As a remote software engineer, finding reliable cafés with good wifi can be its own urban adventure. I fell in love with a spot called The Mill in Bairro Alto: exposed stone walls, minimalist tables and baristas who knew my latte order by heart. During daylight hours, I’d plug in, sip my coffee, and code to the soundtrack of whispered Portuguese and clinking espresso cups.

When I needed a change of scene, I set up at the LX Factory compound—an old printing factory turned creative hub. Open-air terraces, design shops and artisanal bakeries made it easy to network with fellow nomads and local entrepreneurs. Bonus: there’s a small rooftop bar where you can catch sunset colors reflected on the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Conclusion: Lisbon’s Patchwork of Color & Culture

After weeks of wandering tram tracks, hunting down the best pastéis de nata and discovering hidden tile murals, I left Lisbon feeling both energized and strangely at home. Whether you’re chasing sunrise views on Tram 28 or decoding the secret language of azulejos in a forgotten alley, this city rewards anyone curious enough to peek beyond the guidebook. As a digital nomad, Portugal’s capital reminded me that travel isn’t just about ticking landmarks off a list—it’s about the unexpected conversations, flavors and quiet moments that linger long after you’ve packed your bags.